The Coast is Clear

Friday, October 12, 2018

Enjoy family friendly events at the 21st Anniversary of the installation of the Lions Fountain. The San Marco Preservation Society and the San Marco Merchants Association hosts a birthday celebration on Saturday from 4-8 pm. Experience art at Trends Home and Art Boutique. Trends is open 11-4 pm.

Trends is located at 3915 Hendricks Avenue.

San Marco is a popular destination in Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to art galleries, Art Deco buildings, outstanding restaurants, historic mansions, fashionable boutiques and more.

Friday, October 5, 2018

After being featured in the United States Loghthouse Society's newsletter, I unveil two Plein Air paintings at Trends Art and Home Boutique. The two paintings showcase my captivating and colorful style. My work is part of the Art Guild of Orange Park's "Our Town" juried exhibit from October 7-November 3. An opening reception is on October 7 from 3-5 pm. Trends is open Tuesday-Saturday.

Trends Art and Home Boutique is located in San Marco at 3915 Hendricks Avenue. San Marco is a popular destination in Jacksonville, Florida. It is home to art galleries, Art Deco buildings, outstanding restaurants, historic mansions, fashionable boutiques and more.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Lighthouses offer world class accommodations for a minimal cost. Not only do you save money while staying at a lighthouse but all profits go toward preservation efforts.

I stayed in Blackhead Lighthouse in Ireland. It had fireplaces throughout the lighthouse, was fully furnished and the kitchen was equipped with dinnerware and cookware. The lighthouse proudly stood on a towering cliff displaying its magnificence.

Blackhead Lighthouse is designated as one the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. Each lighthouse features accommodations.

You won’t get a more magnificent view of the ocean than at a lighthouse. The room I stayed in had a grand ocean view. It was equipped with elegant furnishings and a fireplace. At night, I sat on the porch to enjoy the fleeting sunset and sunrise. During the night, I was mesmerized by the quiet beam of the lighthouse that pierced the darkness.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Trinity Lighthouse or Bow Creek Lighthouse was the first European Lighthouse that I visited. It was erected by the Corporation of Trinity House in 1864-66.

King Henry VII established Trinity House as a self governing institution. However, Queen Elizabeth I brought Trinity House into greater prominence with the Seamarks Act of 1566.

In 1803 Trinity House established Blackwall Depot. New keepers would be trained at Blackwall in east London where the dummy (Trinity) lighthouse is situated. The original lighthouse was built in 1852 and demolished in the 1920s.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Located on white sandy shores off the azure waters of the Gulf Coast, Gasparilla Island is an ideal escape. The two Lighthouses offer much to explore.

The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse was built in 1880. It has a museum, restrooms and a chapel nearby.

The Historic Gasparilla Lighthouse was built in 1881 as the Delaware Breakwater Rear Range Light in Lewes, Delaware. In 1921 it was disassembled and transported to Florida. After a delay due to funding, the Lighthouse was reassembled in 1927 and installed on Gasparilla Island.

You’ll find a pristine shoreline, cabanas and a walkway near the lighthouse.

The Historic Gasparilla Lighthouse is being restored by the Barrier Island Parks Society.

For information on how to help with restoration efforts and visiting the lighthouse check out Gasparilla Lighthouse

Thursday, September 20, 2018

This lighthouse was featured in the book, "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" by Hildegarde W. Swift and Lynd Ward.

The story was so compelling that it inspired hundreds of children to write letters about saving this lighthouse. I love books that inspire children to make a difference.

The edition I read included colorful pictures of the watercolors painted by the illustrator Lynd Ward for the first time.

The picture book begins with the building of the Little Red Lighthouse on the Hudson River. It explores the conversations the Lighthouse has with steamers, canoes and more. The turning point of the story comes with the construction of the Great Gray Bridge. The tension between the two becomes the crux of the story.

I am happy that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is donated to the Little Red Lighthouse (Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse) outreach and education programs.